Caseworker

Join Only Connect as a Caseworker, building trusting relationships with men in prison and the community to help them take responsibility for their futures, strengthen key relationships and work towards sustainable employment and a crime-free life.

The Mission

Only Connect supports people in the criminal justice system to live crime-free lives. We believe lasting change grows through trusting relationships, personal responsibility and a sense of belonging. Our work combines a commitment to each person with practical support to build a stable family and working life.

The Story So Far

Founded in 2006, Only Connect began with theatre productions in London prisons and developed its work with people leaving custody and their families. That experience shaped our belief in sustained relationships as the foundation of rehabilitation. Today, a small team works in prisons and the community, putting this philosophy into practice through our Love & Money approach.

Love & Money

Love & Money focuses on two central parts of life: our relationships and our working lives. Through workshops and individual conversations, we help members—the people we support—reflect on their responsibilities as partners, parents, workers and neighbours, and take practical steps towards greater stability. The approach depends on the trust, consistency and personal example of the people delivering it.

Context & Purpose of the Role

As a Caseworker, you will build sustained relationships with members, combining interactive workshops with individual support to help them take responsibility for their futures. Around 75–80% of your time will be spent in prison, with the remainder supporting members in the community and contributing to the wider team. Working alongside colleagues and prison and probation staff, you will support continuity through release, strengthen key relationships and help members access education, training and sustainable employment.

Key Responsibilities

• Referrals and assessment: Identify and engage prospective members in prison and the community, working with prison and probation staff to review referrals and assess individuals’ interest, needs and suitability for Only Connect’s support.
• Prison engagement and workshops: Build sustained relationships with members through regular prison visits, one-to-one conversations and small group activities. Prepare and lead interactive Love & Money workshops, independently or alongside other caseworkers, adapting delivery to participants’ needs and engagement.
• Individual casework: Manage an allocated caseload, working with members to identify priorities, agree practical actions and review progress. Maintain consistent contact and follow up on agreed actions, including when engagement is difficult, or circumstances change.
• Release and community support: Support continuity of engagement before and after release through calls, meetings and coordination with probation staff, local authorities and other relevant services. Help members identify and access appropriate support for resettlement and ongoing rehabilitation.
• Education, training and employment support: Provide practical support with CVs, disclosure letters, applications and access to education, training and employment opportunities, encouraging members to take ownership of their decisions and next steps.
• Family engagement: Where invited by the member and appropriate to do so, engage family members to support constructive relationships and continuity of support in prison and the community.
• Case management records: Maintain accurate, timely and comprehensive records in the case management database, bringing together relevant information from conversations, correspondence and partner agencies. Record assessments, contacts, agreed actions, progress and concerns in accordance with organisational procedures.
• Safeguarding and risk: Review relevant risk information, remain alert to safeguarding concerns and changes in members’ circumstances, and record and escalate concerns promptly. Follow Only Connect’s safeguarding procedures and the security and operating requirements of each prison.
• Prison partnerships: Build constructive relationships with prison and probation staff, coordinating access, referrals and session arrangements to support safe and effective delivery.
• Prison visitors: Accompany and support authorised visitors, including prospective donors and sponsors, during prison visits, following agreed approval, security and confidentiality procedures.
• Design, development and evaluation: Work with the CEO and other caseworkers to design, develop and improve session materials and delivery. Maintain monitoring information and contribute observations and feedback to help the charity understand members’ progress and evaluate its work.
• Wider contribution: Participate in team meetings and organisational activities, represent Only Connect at relevant meetings and events, and support members’ involvement in performances and events where appropriate.
• Other duties: Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the role, as agreed with the line manager.